A method for prototyping an integrated circuit may include selecting at least one daughter card for connection to a motherboard. The daughter card is selected having an ability to provide functionality corresponding to a specific integrated circuit device. The at least one daughter card is connected to the motherboard so that the daughter card is communicatively connected to common memory provided on the motherboard. The motherboard is connected to an information handling system utilizing a prototyping interface device, the information handling system providing a virtual software modeling environment for an integrated circuit. The at least one daughter card, information handling system, prototyping interface device and motherboard emulate an integrated circuit design. At least one of software and system integration of the integrated circuit emulated by the motherboard, information handling system, prototyping interface device and the at least one daughter card is tested.